March 3-6, 2013, Atlanta

Modified immune cells that make their own fusion inhibitors reduce levels of HIV-like virus and resisted infection in animal and test tube studies, researchers reported at the 20th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI 2013) last month in Atlanta.

Expanded testing, earlier treatment, and better engagement in care has led to more people with HIV in New York City achieving and maintaining undetectable viral load, according to study findings presented at the 20th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI 2013) last month in Atlanta.

Adding the HCV protease inhibitor telaprevir (Incivek) to pegylated interferon and ribavirin increased end-of-treatment response rates for difficult-to-treat patients including African-Americans who previously did not respond to interferon, according to study results presented at the recent 20th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI 2013)in Atlanta.

A group of French HIV patients who started antiretroviral therapy (ART) during the earliest stage of infection appear to be controlling the virus despite prolonged treatment interruption, according to a recent report in PLoS Pathogens. While the findings do not represent a cure, they may offer insight to help certain people with HIV achieve a "functional cure," or periods off treatment without disease progression.